The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) joins communities across Washington state in grieving the loss of Dr. Bernal C. Baca — a teacher, organizer and advocate whose leadership transformed our state. Dr. Baca dedicated his life to expanding opportunity for communities of color, working tirelessly to advance racial equity in education, labor and public policy. Over many decades, he shaped Washington’s institutions as an educator, union leader, nonprofit director and statewide board member, collaborating with policymakers to shape legislation that ...
Read MoreNews
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) strongly condemns the latest barrage of hateful, racist, and dehumanizing remarks from President Donald Trump targeting Somali immigrants and Somali American communities. His comments — calling human beings “garbage,” telling families to “go back to where they came from,” and denying the legitimacy of an entire nation — are morally reprehensible and pose a direct threat to the safety and dignity of people who call Washington home. These remarks are not isolated. They are part of a long, dangerous pattern of using racism as ...
Read MorePara leer en español, favor de ver más abajo
OLYMPIA – Today, Washington State legislators from the Members of Color Caucus are sounding the alarm and standing united against President Trump’s dangerous escalation of immigration enforcement. The reported deployment of ICE special response teams to Seattle, and escalation during peaceful protests in Spokane, combined with the threat of federalizing the National Guard in response to upcoming protests, is not about safety. It is about fear. It is about control. Targeting schools, apartment complexes, and public spaces is not a public safety strategy - it ...Read More
The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) released the following statement Thursday: “The Washington State Senate MOCC recognizes that the recent ICE raids in Washington state have struck at the heart of our communities. These raids don’t just affect individuals; they send shockwaves through entire neighborhoods, disrupt businesses, and create a climate of fear and uncertainty. “The detention of 37 workers at Mount Baker Roofing in Bellingham and the arrest of longtime farmworker and labor rights advocate Alfredo Juarez in Sedro-Woolley are just two recent examples. When ICE conducts raids, families are ...
Read MoreThe Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC) issued the following statement in response to the recent wave of federal immigration raids, which have spread fear and instability in communities across Washington state and the nation. “The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus strongly condemns the recent federal immigration raids targeting immigrant communities across the country, including in Washington state. These actions have caused fear, separated families, and disrupted communities who contribute immensely to the economic and cultural fabric of our state. “These raids do not reflect the values of Washington ...
Read More
Our communities are begging for housing stability. It is time to listen. This is why both the Senate and House Members of Color caucuses have prioritized stabilizing rent increases (HB 2114/SB 5961) as our top housing policy for the 2024 legislative session. As chairs of our respective caucuses, we are the first to recognize we are not a monolith and don’t aim to become one. We represent diverse interests and districts. As elected leaders of color, we carry multiple truths born of our varied lived experiences. We hold the perspectives of the constituents we ...
Read More
November 20, 2023 The Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus issued the following statement in response to the rising hate in our communities, expressing concern about the far-reaching effects of escalating tensions and conflicts across the world: “In recent weeks, our hearts have grown heavy witnessing devastating violence and conflict, which have deeply affected members of our community. The ripple effect of this international conflict has been felt in Washington state, leading to a troubling rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. “As members of the Washington State Senate Members of Color Caucus (MOCC), we stand with our ...
Read More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 13, 2022 Senate Bill 5752, known as the Washington Future Fund, today had its first public hearing in the Senate Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee. The bill would establish the nation’s first debt-free trust fund to create asset-building opportunities in the form of capital for eligible Washingtonians to help provide a pathway out of poverty. “The Washington Future Fund is a bold idea – but big issues demand bold solutions,” said Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), the prime sponsor of the bill. “I’m so proud to work with the state treasurer’s office to address ...
Read More